Prescriptions

Ordering URGENT repeat prescriptions

Have you run out of your repeat medication and need an emergency prescription? 111 offer an emergency prescription service where you complete a quick form online. You can use their service to request a limited emergency supply of a medicine you’ve completely run out of. This must be a medicine you are prescribed regularly, through a repeat prescription.

You will be charged your usual prescription fee. If you do not usually pay, it will be free.

To request an emergency repeat prescription please click on the link below.

https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription

Ordering repeat prescriptions

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

  • using the GP online system: SystmOnline
  • using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

You can also:

  • fill out a repeat prescriptions request form
  • bring your paper slip to the surgery – drop the tear-off part of your repeat slip in at reception with the required items clearly marked
  • post it – fill in the prescription form using the slip issued with your last prescription and post it to the surgery with enclosed stamped and addressed envelope

We do not take repeat prescription requests over the phone or email.

Collecting your prescription

Information:

You can usually collect your prescription 2 working days after you have ordered it.

You will need to choose a pharmacy to collect your prescription from. We call this nominating a pharmacy.

You can change your nominated pharmacy at any time:

Questions about your prescription

If you have questions about your medicine, your local pharmacists can answer these. They can also answer questions on medicines you can buy without a prescription.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

Go to Medicines A to Z (nhs.uk)

If you would like to speak to someone at the GP surgery about your prescription:

Prescription charges

Find out more about prescription charges (nhs.uk).

Hospital Prescriptions

Please note that we are unable to process prescription requests from hospitals.

You must obtain your medication from the hospital pharmacy.

Medication reviews

If you have a repeat prescription, we may ask you to come in for a regular review. We will be in touch when you need to come in for a review.

What to do with old medicines

Take it to the pharmacy you got it from or bring it in to the surgery. Do not put it in your household bin or flush it down the toilet.

About pharmacists

As qualified healthcare professionals, pharmacists can offer advice on minor illnesses such as:

  • coughs
  • colds
  • sore throats
  • tummy trouble
  • aches and pains

They can also advise on medicine that you can buy without a prescription.

Find a pharmacy (nhs.uk)

Many pharmacies are open until late and at weekends. You do not need an appointment.

Most pharmacies have a private room where you can discuss issues with pharmacy staff.

Over the counter medication prescribing

Ceasing of prescribing of over the counter medicines for acute conditions

As a Practice within Herts and West Essex ICB (HWEICB)we have been instructed to follow the policy below. HWEICB policy is aligned to NHS England (NHSE policy).

HWEICB and NHS England do not routinely support the prescribing of medicines that are available to buy from pharmacies and other outlets. All individuals will be expected to pay for over-the-counter medicines for conditions that can be managed through self-care, Including groups that currently receive free prescriptions.

Patient queries can be directed to: